In its most extensive airstrikes since the beginning of the war, Russia launched cruise missiles at several Ukrainian cities on Monday, reportedly killing civilians and disabling power, water, and heating infrastructure.
The strikes were described as “horrific” by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as both he and President Joe Biden reaffirmed U.S. military support for Ukraine, 360 News reported.
“These attacks only further reinforce our commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Biden said in a statement.
The president continued, “Alongside our allies and partners, we will continue to impose costs on Russia for its aggression, hold Putin and Russia accountable for its atrocities and war crimes, and provide the support necessary for Ukrainian forces to defend their country and their freedom.”
Russia launched the attack in retaliation for what it describes as a terrorist attack orchestrated by Ukrainian special services on the crucial Kerch Bridge that connects Crimea to Russia, according to AP News.
At least 11 people were reportedly killed in the deadly barrage on Ukraine, which its government claims hit many civilian targets. Nearly 100 more were injured.
During the morning rush hour, some missiles appeared to target energy facilities while others hit busy public areas. Multiple news agencies reported that one struck a playground in the heart of Kyiv while another struck a university building.
Later in the morning, another volley of missiles struck the capital. Pedestrians sought refuge at metro station entrances and inside parking garages, according to Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that the attacks were timed to inflict as much damage as possible. His prime minister stated that 11 major infrastructure targets in eight regions had been damaged, leaving large swaths of the country without electricity, water, or heat.
“They are trying to destroy us and wipe us off the face of the earth,” stated Zelensky.
By mid-morning, Ukraine’s defense ministry reported that Russia had launched 81 cruise missiles, 43 of which, the ministry claimed, had been intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses.
For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that it hit all its intended targets, Reuters reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he had ordered the “massive” missile strikes in response to the weekend attack on the bridge and threatened more strikes in the future if Ukraine attacked Russian territory.
“To leave such acts without a response is simply impossible,” Putin said.
